Walgreens Adds Front-End Items to Drive-Thru Service

Walgreens announced Friday it is offering ‘drive-thru’ pick up for essential daily products at its more than 7300 pharmacies nationwide in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The service provides greater convenience to customers, and helps to promote social distancing, according to the company.

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More than 60 front-end products are currently available for purchase at drive-thru windows, including household items chosen specifically to support the needs of customers and communities during the pandemic. These products include cleaning supplies and sanitizers, certain over the counter (OTC) products, such as cough and cold medications, pain and fever medications, and immunity support; select grocery items, infant formula, adult nutrition products, medical and first aid supplies, and paper goods.

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Customers may confirm product availability at each pharmacy, and quantity restrictions apply for high demand items.

Disinfectant wipes and cleaners, face masks, hand sanitizers, hand soap, thermometers, gloves, OTC pain and pediatric medicines, paper goods, and baby formula are limited to 2 per product category, per customer. Vitamins, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and OTC cough and cold treatment purchases are limited to 4 per product category, per customer.

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“We are working around the clock to support our customers and patients, who are relying on us more now than ever before,” said Lisa Badgley, senior vice president of pharmacy and retail operations at Walgreens, in a prepared statement. “We’re continuing to quickly introduce new and different ways to meet customers’ needs for greater convenience during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also promoting social distancing as one of the most important preventive measures we can take. We also ask that customers be patient as we work to provide this new and expanded service, as there may be wait times given current demand.”

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When there are no lines at drive-thru windows, pharmacy technicians can provide items to customers on the spot. In the event there are multiple vehicles in line waiting for assistance, customers may be asked to drive back around, and will be provided a wait time to return to pick up their items.

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REFERENCES

1. Walgreen Drive-Thru Isn’t Just for Prescription Pick-up Anymore, as Company Expands Product Pick-up Offering at Its Drive-Thrus Nationwide [news release]. Deerfield, IL; March 27, 2020: Walgreens website.https://news.walgreens.com/press-releases/general-news/walgreens-drive-thru-isnt-just-for-prescription-pick-up-anymore-as-company-expands-product-pick-up-offering-at-its-drive-thrus-nationwide.htmAccessed March 27, 2020.
2. Walgreens. Updates on our Walgreens COVID-19 response. Walgreens website.https://news.walgreens.com/our-stories/covid-19-faq.htmUpdated March 19, 2020. Accessed March 27, 2020.